The inaugural Manchester Festival in July 2007 generated an economic value of £28.8m for north west England, according to an independent report. The 18-day biennial event, which attracts more than 200,000 people and involves 87 arts and community organisations, has now received an Arts Council England investment of £1m for the period 2008–2010.
This represents about 10% of the Festival’s overall income. The 2007 Festival famously hosted 25 world premières, such as the highly acclaimed opera ‘Monkey: Journey to the West’ (pictured), a number of which have transferred to international cultural venues. More world premières are planned for 2009. Alex Poots, Festival Director, said the funding was “a great boost for the arts in the North West, as it represents additional funding for the region”.